What is a show up procedure?

A show-up procedure is a law enforcement identification method where a witness or victim is brought to a suspect, typically soon after a crime has occurred. The main purpose of this procedure is to quickly ascertain if the witness can identify the suspect as the perpetrator. This tactic is beneficial in retaining the immediacy of the situation, allowing the witness to rely on their memory from the crime scene, which can be more reliable shortly after the incident.

In this context, the other options involve different identification processes. Presenting photos of suspects refers to photo lineups, which usually involve multiple images rather than a direct encounter. Conducting an identification parade is similar to a show-up but often involves a lineup of multiple suspects for the witness to choose from. Analyzing surveillance footage involves reviewing recorded material, which may assist in identification but does not constitute an active identification procedure involving the witness's immediate response to a suspect. Thus, the essence of a show-up is distinctly captured in the approach of bringing a witness directly to a suspect for identification.